Blends – Sometimes, retailers offer Robusta and Arabica blends. This isn't usually to improve the taste. Historically, vendors have adulterated Arabica products with Robusta to lower their costs and boost profits. So these products aren't usually premium options. However, tastes differ and some people may prefer the bitterness and rawness of Robusta blends over the almost sweet properties of Arabica beans.

However, some argue that this isn't the best way to savour the real taste of the coffee itself. According to these experts, the taste of coffee is bound up inside the whole bean, and when you grind that bean, some of the taste is lost. Give it a try for yourself. Those with sensitive palates may well notice the difference, and choose to grind coffee for themselves as a result. Instant Coffee – Even more convenient for people who can't wait for brewing to finish, instant coffee won't go away. While most coffee drinkers agree that the taste of instant isn't anywhere near as beguiling as a freshly brewed cup, premium varieties can be surprisingly convincing, and they take a minute or two to make. So most caffeine fans will want a jar or two in their cupboard, just in case. At the same time, the body detects caffeine as a potential danger, which multiplies its effects. As the body responds to the threat, it produces adrenaline, which increases your heart rate, and primes the body for action. In modern life, that translates into a feeling of alertness and energy, which (hopefully) banishes our morning drowsiness for good.

Espresso and Barista Coffee Makers – Resembling the machinery present in most coffee shops, these (usually) large devices employ super-heated water and pressure to liberate the oils and taste of prime coffee. They can often be precisely calibrated to deliver certain temperatures or coffee doses, and may come with milk frothers as an extra attachment, making it easy to whip up a barista-style cappuccino without leaving the house. However, they do come with a hefty price tag, making them one for genuine coffee obsessives. Key brands include De Longhi, Melitta and Jura. Cold Brew – A slightly more offbeat coffee making solution, cold brew or iced coffee has an avid following among hipsters and real caffeine heads. Generally stronger than a usual cup, cold brew can be extremely refreshing on summer days (not something piping hot macchiatos can claim). The downside is that making cold brew requires “steeping” grounds for 20 hours or more, so some preparation is needed. But the good news is that specialist cold brew makers are available from brands like Cusinart and Primula, making the process much easier (and less messy).

Syrup Gift Boxes – If your partner or loved one adores a dash of syrup in their daily latte, purchasing a gift box from a brand like Manon or Tate & Lyle will be the perfect gift. Who knows, they could find a totally new flavour that revolutionises their coffee drinking habits?If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you rely on a cup or two of coffee to make it through the morning. British people consume vast amounts of coffee every day. According to some estimates, we down 95 million cups every day, and not all of them hit the spot in the way they should. These days, many people aren't content to enjoy the taste of pure coffee. Instead, they have started to emulate the American practice of supplementing coffees with rich syrup concoctions, resulting in seductive aromas and tastes. If you'd like to experiment with syrups, look to premium brands like Monin or Simply Coffee. Both offer flavours like hazelnut, caramel, maple, grenadine, and many other styles. Not all work brilliantly with coffee, but it's great fun to mix and match to find tastes that you adore. Naturally, the “terroir” (influence of soil and environment) will have an effect on the finished product. However, this is an area where inexperienced drinkers can easily fall for marketing pitches instead of following their senses. To the untrained consumer, coffees vary very little in their basic tastes, no matter where they are produced.